Does Hobby Lobby Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

Hobby Lobby's Hiring Policy for People with Records

Hobby Lobby is a privately held company, owned by the Green family, and headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. All approximately 970 Hobby Lobby stores are corporate-owned and operated — there are no franchisees. This means hiring policies are set at the corporate level and applied consistently across all locations. The company conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party provider and uses an individualized assessment process. Hobby Lobby is well known for its conservative Christian values (the company is closed on Sundays, for example), and this ethos extends to a belief in second chances. While the company does not publicly market a formal second chance hiring program, its practical hiring approach allows for people with criminal records to be evaluated on their merits. The assessment considers the nature of the offense, the time elapsed, rehabilitation efforts, and the relevance to the job.

Background Check Process at Hobby Lobby

Hobby Lobby's background check is initiated after a conditional offer of employment is extended. The check typically includes a criminal history search going back 7 years, a Social Security number trace, and a national sex offender registry check. For management positions, the check may also include employment history and education verification. The process usually takes 3-7 business days through the company's third-party screening provider. If the background check reveals a criminal record, Hobby Lobby follows FCRA procedures, including sending a pre-adverse action notice that gives you the opportunity to dispute inaccuracies or provide additional context about your conviction. Hobby Lobby complies with state and local ban-the-box laws in jurisdictions where they apply.

What Could Disqualify You at Hobby Lobby

While Hobby Lobby evaluates applicants individually, certain types of convictions present greater barriers. Theft, fraud, and shoplifting convictions within the past 5-7 years face significant scrutiny for positions involving merchandise and cash handling. Sex offenses are typically disqualifying for all positions. Violent felonies within the past 7 years may be disqualifying for customer-facing roles, particularly given Hobby Lobby's family-oriented brand and customer base. Drug-related felonies, especially older possession charges, are generally less of a barrier for associate and stocking roles. DUI convictions are typically not relevant to in-store retail positions. Convictions older than 7 years carry significantly less weight. Drug manufacturing or trafficking charges may face additional scrutiny regardless of age.

Working at Hobby Lobby — What to Expect

Hobby Lobby offers some advantages as an employer, particularly for people seeking stable retail work. The company pays above minimum wage — Hobby Lobby raised its minimum full-time wage to $18.50 per hour and has historically offered higher starting pay than many retail competitors. All stores are closed on Sundays, providing a guaranteed day off each week. The company offers health insurance and a 401(k) plan for eligible employees. Hobby Lobby stores are large format (typically 55,000 square feet) and carry arts, crafts, home decor, and seasonal merchandise. The work environment tends to be calmer than fast-paced discount retail. For people with records who are hired, Hobby Lobby's promote-from-within culture offers a path from associate to department manager, co-manager, and store manager.

Tips for Getting Hired at Hobby Lobby with a Record

Apply online through hobbylobby.com/careers or visit your local Hobby Lobby store to ask about openings. The stocker and freight team positions (often early morning before store opening) are the most accessible for people with records as they involve minimal customer interaction and cash handling. If you have any experience in crafts, art, framing, or home decor, mention it prominently — product knowledge is valued at Hobby Lobby. Be honest about your record if asked during the interview process. Emphasize your reliability, willingness to work hard, and any rehabilitation steps you have taken. Apply during seasonal peaks (spring crafting season, back-to-school, and holiday season) when stores increase hiring. Hobby Lobby's closed-on-Sundays policy means the company looks for employees who are available Monday through Saturday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hobby Lobby hire felons?

Hobby Lobby hires people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. They conduct background checks but use individualized assessments. All stores are corporate-owned so policies are consistent. Theft-related convictions face more scrutiny, but non-theft felonies and older convictions are generally less of a barrier.

Does Hobby Lobby do background checks?

Yes. Hobby Lobby conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party screening provider. The check includes a 7-year criminal history search, Social Security trace, and sex offender registry check. The check is done after a conditional offer of employment.

How far back does Hobby Lobby's background check go?

Hobby Lobby's background check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. In states with lookback restrictions, the legal limit applies. Convictions older than 7 years carry significantly less weight in the hiring assessment.

Does Hobby Lobby drug test?

Hobby Lobby's drug testing policy varies by position and location. Not all hourly retail positions require pre-employment drug testing. Post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing may apply to all employees.

Is Hobby Lobby closed on Sundays?

Yes. All Hobby Lobby stores are closed on Sundays. This means the company needs employees available Monday through Saturday. Having consistent availability during these days makes you a stronger candidate.

How much does Hobby Lobby pay?

Hobby Lobby has been an above-average retail employer in terms of wages. The company's full-time minimum wage is $18.50 per hour, which is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage and above many retail competitors. Part-time wages start lower but are still competitive.

Is Hobby Lobby corporate-owned or franchised?

All Hobby Lobby stores are corporate-owned and operated by the Green family's private company. There are no franchisees. This means hiring policies are consistent across all approximately 970 locations.

Can I move up at Hobby Lobby after being hired?

Yes. Hobby Lobby promotes from within and many store managers started as hourly associates. The career path typically goes from associate to department manager, then to co-manager, and finally to store manager. Performance and reliability are the primary factors in advancement.